Ella’s Perfect Chorus (& Verse) Summer Assignment 1

“WITH A SONG IN MY HEART”

~ ROGERS AND HART

The three most important things in jazz are, in order of importance:

Melody

Melody

Melody

This list is subject to change, but for today and the purposes of this blog, it’s iron clad. Yes, we know there’s that thing about what in means (not a thing) if it doesn’t possess that certain, elusive yet undeniable, element of rhythmic buoyancy and syncopation. So to that point, yes, a good melody does swing, regardless of style or genre. Now is also good time to remember the old adage that “all lists are bullshit except your own.”